Since the notorious disappearance of Alabama teen Natalee Holloway, a high school graduate
from Alabama, some travelers have been concerned about crime in Aruba.

And
asking, just how safe is Aruba?

Aruba
is considered one of the safest Caribbean countries and serious crime
is rare.

And,
as some Arubans have pointed out, most criminal suspects
are not from Aruba.

The
U.S. State Department, which sometimes has been accused
of being overly sensitive in trying to protect Americans, has the following
statements about crime in Aruba.

Note
that the greatest concern is whether travelers have proper insurance
when renting autos or jet skis.

" CRIME: Street
crime is low, but there have been incidents of theft from hotel
rooms. Armed robbery has been known to occur. Valuables left unattended
on beaches, in cars and in hotel lobbies are easy targets for theft.

"Car theft,
including that of rental vehicles for joy riding and stripping, can
occur. Vehicle leases or rentals may not be fully covered by local insurance
when a vehicle is stolen or damaged. Be sure you are sufficiently insured
when renting vehicles and jet skis . . .

"An unusually competitive
fee to rent jet skis or other water sports equipment
could indicate that the dealer is unlicensed or uninsured. Visitors
planning to rent jet skis or other water sports equipment should carefully
review all liability and insurance forms presented to them before signing
any contracts or agreements.

"The renter is often
fully responsible for replacement costs and fees associated
with any damages that occur during the rental period. Visitors may be
required to pay these fees in full before being allowed to leave
Aruba, and may be subject to civil or criminal penalties if
they cannot or will not make payment."